Knicks 113, Bulls 94: Postgame Reaction
The Knicks continually let the Bulls back into the game after going up double-digits more than once, but finally put their foot on the gas to put away Chicago and end their home stand with a 5-1 record.
One paragraph to describe the game
The Knicks started the game absolutely on fire, going up 30-12 in the first quarter. It seemed like they would cruise to a redemption victory in this one, but they kept letting the Bulls get back into the game, and even take the lead as late as the third quarter. But Immanuel Quickley got the Knicks their mojo back to start the fourth quarter, and the team rode that wave all the way to another win, now 10 of their last 11.
Game ball
Immanuel Quickley: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
IQ’s stats pale in comparison to some of his teammates in this game — Julius Randle finished with over 30 points again, RJ Barrett had 22, seven, and six — but he provided the most important stretch of the game for the Knicks, scoring 11 of his 13 points to open the fourth quarter, spurring a 15-2 Knicks run when they desperately needed one.
Big stat
The Knicks won the fourth quarter 37-19. After three, they were only up by a point. Every time they’d go up by double digits, they’d cough it back up, giving concerning flashbacks to the stretch right before the win streak where the Knicks just couldn’t seem to put anyone away. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case today.
Unsung hero
Nerlens Noel: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 5 blocks
Other significant performances
Julius Randle: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
RJ Barrett: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
Reggie Bullock: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
